Exploring the Cape Province

The Cape Province is one of the most beautiful areas of South Africa for walking, with rolling vineyards, craggy mountain slopes, a glistening coastline and brightly coloured flowers. Its diversity makes it ideal for long and varied walks, wandering through vineyards, dry desert plains, forests and beaches. And the bright Cape sunshine will add to the pleasure of walking through this beautiful corner of the earth.

The Cape Winelands

The winelands situated just outside the city of Cape Town are famous for their beauty as well as for the outstanding wine that they produce. For years, tourists and Capetonians alike have flocked to these outlying areas when the sun is out for strolls through the vineyards and afternoons of merry wine tasting. There are plenty of picnic spots where you can enjoy a bottle of wine with your tasty lunch, lie back in the grass and gaze out over the rolling hills and surrounding countryside.

There are a number of wine-producing areas in the Cape Province ideal for walking. South Africa's climate is perfect for afternoon strolls through vineyards, with the warm sun and ripe grapes making walks all the more enjoyable. Two of the best regions are Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, both situated about an hour's drive from Cape Town. Both areas have quaint town centres with beautiful old buildings and restaurants serving delicious meals. Franschhoek has a reputation for being South Africa's culinary capital, hosting a number of restaurants run by world class chefs.

In and Around Cape Town

Cape Town is an exceptional city with both a vibrant culture and beautiful surroundings. Table Mountain, situated just above the city centre is an iconic symbol of hiking in South Africa. This unique-looking flat-topped mountain attracts many keen hikers, and for those who don't want to trek all the way to the top only to have to do it all the way down, the cable car is available to transport you back down to the bottom again.

Cape Point, also known as Cape of Good Hope, is another great outdoor spot loved by walkers. You can walk through the fynbos in the reserve, and look out for baboons that are resident in the area. And you can climb to the top of the lighthouse and look down over the churning water where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet.

For a gentler day out, strolling through Kirstenbosch Gardens will be lovely. The beautifully kept lawns and colourful flowers will not be disappointing, and the purple mountaintops above you provide a beautiful contrast to the sun-filled trees, plants and trickling streams below. These gardens are the most beautiful in the country, making them the best botanical gardens for walking in South Africa.

Karoo

For a change of scenery on a South Africa hiking holiday, you can spend a few days in the Karoo desert. Vast expanses of open land await you, with little more than some hardy fynbos growing in the area. While it may be bare, this area has a haunted and unique beauty of its own, and completes a well rounded trip to the country.